KSST Listener Discovers Unique Snowflake
January 26, 2026 – Confirming no two snowflakes are alike, KSST listener Coleman Barnett used his zoom on his phone camera phone to analyze a snowflake resting on his windshield.
Hopkins County Delays Scheduled Meetings, Closes Offices for Another Day
January 26, 2026 – Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom announces that County Offices will be closed on Tuesday January 27 due to continued inclement weather. Furthermore, the scheduled Regular Meeting of the Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court as well as the following Work Session scheduled for Tuesday January 27 has been reset for February 3, 2026.
Hopkins County Rescinds Burn Ban
January 26, 2026 – If cabin fever has set in for you over the past few days, fear not as you can get back to the outdoors and help out the natural thawing process by burning some brush piles. Hopkins County has rescinded the burn ban first issued January 9, 2026 just a few short weeks ago when the outlook was bleak on if and when we would ever get some rain. The winter storm set in over the past few days dropping precipitation in many forms from sleet to rain to snow coating the ground with much needed moisture. So now, all outside burning outside the city limits of Sulphur Springs, but inside the Hopkins County area is now legal as long as you think it is safe to do so on your own land.
Commissioner Miller Opens the International Year of the Woman Farmer
Nearly 40% of all American Women Agricultural Producers are in Texas
January 26, 2026 – AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) proudly announce Texas’ participation in the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, a global designation honoring the indispensable role women play in agriculture and food systems worldwide. Throughout the year, TDA will join all 49 states and 123 nations in recognizing the leadership, resilience, and impact of women farmers and ranchers.
“Through hardship and prosperity alike, strong Texas women have always been at the heart of our agricultural success,” Commissioner Miller said. “From supervising households and working the land to running businesses and selling their own products, Texas women have shaped agriculture from the very beginning. I’m proud to kick off a year-long celebration honoring their contributions and legacy.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, women made up approximately 36% of U.S. agricultural producers in 2022, totaling nearly 1.2 million women nationwide. Their influence extends beyond production to advocacy, education, entrepreneurship, and community leadership—strengthening rural America at every level.
Texas leads the nation with 152,291 women agricultural producers, representing 39% of the state’s farmers and ranchers and managing nearly 43 million acres of farmland. Texas also ranks third nationally in women-owned businesses, many of which are tied directly to agriculture. Meanwhile, women continue to pursue agriculture-related degrees in growing numbers, including in veterinary medicine, soil science, and agricultural finance.
This momentum is expected to continue as agriculture enters a generational transition. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. farmland is held by producers nearing retirement age, with about one-third projected to change hands over the next two decades. As new producers step forward, they will confront challenges such as access to capital, market development, and recovery from natural disasters.
The Texas Department of Agriculture remains committed to supporting women farmers and ranchers by expanding access to financial assistance, marketing tools, education, and disaster recovery programs—ensuring both new and established producers can thrive now and into the future. Texans are encouraged to learn more about available TDA programs by visiting the agency’s website.
“Texas agriculture wouldn’t be what it is without the grit, determination, and leadership of women,” Commissioner Miller said. “From family farms to major agribusinesses, women are shaping the future of agriculture every day. As we recognize the International Year of the Woman Farmer, let’s honor the women who feed, clothe, and fuel Texas—and make sure they have the tools to keep our agricultural
For more information about the International Year of the Woman Farmer, click here.
City of Sulphur Springs Offices to Close Due to Inclement Weather
January 25, 2026 – City Secretary Natalaie Burling announced on Sunday that the City of Sulphur Springs offices will be closed on Monday January 26, 2026 due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions.
The following statement is from City of Sulphur Springs:
City Offices will be closed on Monday. Due to inclement weather, all City of Sulphur Springs offices will be closed tomorrow. This includes:
• Municipal Court
• City Hall
• Library
• Senior Center
• Billing Office
• Trash pickup service
Emergency services will remain available and fully operational. Residents should continue to dial 911 for emergencies.
We encourage everyone to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel. Updates on service rescheduling will be shared as they become available.
Hopkins County Offices Closed Monday Due to Winter Weather
January 25, 2026 – Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom has announced that all Hopkins County offices will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to inclement winter weather conditions.
The closure is being implemented to ensure the safety of county employees and the public as hazardous weather impacts travel conditions throughout the area.
Essential services, including Emergency Services and the Sheriff’s Office, will remain operational during this closure
Hopkins County Fares Better Than Other Parts of Texas
January 25, 2026 – Hopkins County largely avoided the worst impacts of the most recent winter storm, with local officials reporting minimal damage and only isolated power outages as the system moved through the region.
While parts of North and East Texas experienced widespread outages, downed trees, and hazardous travel conditions, Hopkins County was spared the majority of the storm’s effects. Emergency management officials said the primary concern remains the potential for changing conditions, particularly if winds increase and cause ice-laden tree limbs to break and fall onto power lines.
“As long as winds do not pick up significantly, we expect to continue avoiding major outages,” officials said, noting that ice accumulation on trees and elevated surfaces is still being monitored.
Utility crews remained on standby throughout the storm but were not required to respond to large-scale outages within the county. Residents were urged to remain cautious, especially during overnight and early morning hours when refreezing can create slick roadways and sidewalks.
Forecasts indicate improving conditions as the week progresses. Daytime temperatures are expected to rise above freezing by midweek, allowing ice to melt and reducing the risk of additional damage. The warming trend should also help alleviate concerns about lingering power disruptions and hazardous travel.
Local authorities continue to encourage residents to stay informed through official weather updates and to report any downed lines or hazardous conditions. While Hopkins County escaped the brunt of the storm, officials emphasized that winter weather can remain unpredictable and residents should remain prepared until conditions fully improve.
Commissioner Miller Announces $78 Million in Community Development Grants for Rural Texas
January 25, 2026 – AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today announced a $78 million investment in rural Texas communities through the Community Development and Block Grant program. Ninety‑eight rural cities and counties across the Lone Star State will receive funding for essential infrastructure upgrades, including 11 cities awarded $1 million each for major downtown revitalization projects. The announcement underscores Commissioner Miller’s commitment to expanding economic opportunity and strengthening quality of life for rural Texans.
“The health and success of our agricultural communities is our top priority at the Texas Department of Agriculture. These grants will deliver clean water systems, better streets, and safer parks and public spaces, while creating jobs and supporting long‑term economic growth. This is seed money that helps rural Texas thrive,” Commissioner Miller said.
Each year, the Texas Department of Agriculture oversees the distribution of millions in community development funding through the CDBG program. This year, 11 cities received $1 million each through the Downtown Revitalization Fund to modernize public infrastructure and create safer, more welcoming spaces for community events. The 2025 recipients are Big Wells, Brownfield, Caldwell, Clarksville, George West, Hart, Knox City, Olney, Sabinal, Tenaha, and Winnsboro.
Additional Community Development Fund grants were awarded statewide to repair streets, upgrade water and wastewater systems, and purchase critical first responder equipment. Colonia Fund grants were also awarded to improve water and sewer services in nine Texas border counties.
CDBG projects are designed to deliver long‑term economic benefits in low and moderate income communities. Strategic investments in planning, construction, and infrastructure increase public safety and help attract private investment. Economic development research consistently shows that targeted public infrastructure funding generates significant returns by driving increased economic activity and multiplying the value of each dollar far beyond the initial award. Grants are awarded based on several factors, including demonstrated success in utilizing previous funding.
“CDBG grants harness Texan energy and ingenuity to build stronger, more livable communities and expand economic opportunity across rural Texas,” Commissioner Miller said. “It is an incredible return on investment, not just for our agricultural communities, but for the entire state.”
Local governments and eligible applicants can find more information on current and upcoming grant opportunities by visiting the TDA Grants and Services page.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Over $6.8 Million in Debt Relief for Disabled Veterans Harmed by Fraudulent VA Assistance Scheme
January 25, 2026 – Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a victory in his lawsuit against VA Claims Insider, LLC (“VACI”). The lawsuit alleged VACI posed as a legitimate veterans’ assistance organization while deceptively charging disabled veterans fees for what it represented as help navigating the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) benefits and claims process.
Attorney General Paxton’s lawsuit alleged VACI marketed its services as “free” coaching to assist veterans in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of VA benefit claims, despite not being accredited by the VA to perform those services. The lawsuit further alleged VACI misrepresented its cancellation procedures and its contract terms, including the true cost of services. It also noted that VACI misrepresented its relationship to its recommended medical provider. Then, if veterans refused to pay unexpected fees, VACI initiated burdensome debt collection efforts against them.
“Disabled veterans are our nation’s heroes who put their lives on the line for our country, and no company will be allowed to pose as a legitimate VA service in order to scam and deceive them,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This judgment ensures that disabled veterans are protected from VACI’s fraudulent VA assistance scheme and will not be held responsible for illegitimate debts.”
Under the agreed final judgment and permanent injunction, VACI is prohibited from collecting any debts incurred by consumers who were misled into believing VACI’s services were free. VACI has agreed to forego debt collection on qualifying debts incurred for the past nine years, which is an estimated total of over $6.8 million in debt forgiveness to disabled veterans.
Comptroller Office’s Has Full Authority to Stop Taxpayer Funds from Going to Schools Illegally Tied to Terrorists or Foreign Adversaries
January 25, 2026 – Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued a formal legal opinion confirming that the Texas Comptroller’s Office holds full and exclusive authority to block taxpayer funds from going to private schools that are illegally tied to terrorist organizations or foreign adversaries under the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program.
The opinion was issued in response to a request concerning the scope of authority held by the TEFA administrator, Comptroller Kelly Hancock, particularly regarding the eligibility of private schools seeking to participate in the state’s school choice program. Paxton’s opinion makes clear that decisions related to disqualification based on violations of other laws rest solely with the Comptroller’s Office.
“The people of Texas deserve the highest assurance that no taxpayer dollars will be used, directly or indirectly, to support institutions with ties to a foreign terrorist organization, a transnational criminal network, or any adversarial foreign government,” the request stated.
Paxton’s opinion points to language in Senate Bill 2 that allows schools to be excluded from TEFA participation if they violate “other relevant law[s].” As an example, the opinion notes that any institution found to be providing material support to a designated terrorist organization would automatically be ineligible for the program.
“Let me be crystal clear: Texans’ tax dollars should never fund Islamic terrorists or America’s enemies,” Paxton said. “The Comptroller’s Office has always possessed exclusive authority under the TEFA framework to stop any school illegally tied to terrorists or foreign adversaries from accessing taxpayer dollars, and this opinion affirms that authority.”
The attorney general also said his office is prepared to defend any lawful action taken by the Comptroller to prevent abuse of the program by terrorist groups or hostile foreign governments, including the Chinese Communist Party.
The opinion further clarifies that delays in approving certain Christian or private schools, which have been noted in public reporting, are unrelated to the legal interpretation outlined in the opinion. Authority over eligibility determinations and the timing of approvals rests solely with the Comptroller’s Office, not the Office of the Attorney General.
